The socialized mind

The socialized mind is the level at which a person defines themselves largely through the expectations of their surroundings. In Kegan's model it is a stage of development. A person at this level is tightly bound to the approval and belonging of others; the question "what do they think?" comes before their own compass. This is not a flaw but a developmental position, and many adults act from here. Coaching often touches the edge of this stage at the point where the client begins to distinguish their own value from outside expectations.